Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) is a high performance digital SLR camera incorporating Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies.
The D80 features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, providing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail. With this, however, also comes the freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. Nikon’s DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses.
Featuring Nikon’s own high-resolution image processing engine and a new dedicated high-performance processing chip, the camera is a must have for photography enthusiasts. The processing chip has been introduced to significantly accelerate performance on all levels, while achieving lower power consumption and assuring more pictures per battery charge
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic exposure control, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. The system offers the added advantage of evaluating, rather than simply measuring the true content of each scene. Variable centre-weighted metering and spot metering are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing.
Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural colouration by measuring the entire frame of each scene and matching white balance to the light source.
Nikon’s new 11-area AF system offers effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence for capturing the desired shot.
With a start up time of just 0.18 seconds and a shutter minimal release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds, the D80 delivers instant response. Continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per second, in bursts of up to 100 JPEG images (FINE M-size or smaller) makes action photography a reality.
A large new 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Images can be previewed easily thanks to a new dedicated zoom button which helps assess sharpness up to 25 times magnification. A new RGB histogram display also assists when evaluating exposures with greater precision. The D80 boasts built-in Standard or Advanced Pictmotion slideshow options, including style selections that control transitions and background music.
A new user-friendly menu interface makes for easier operation and menus can be customized using the “My Menu” setting. Exclusive in-camera image editing features, such as D-Lighting and Red-eye correction, in the new Retouch menu ensure consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom without the use of a computer. A new Multiple Exposure option creates a single image from up to 3 consecutive exposures to offer a similar effect of that produced with film.
The powerful built-in flash employs Nikon’s highly robust i-TTL flash control for greater precision in flash exposure evaluation. Full support for the Advanced Wireless Lighting System allows the built-in flash function to operate as a two-group remote commander providing direct control over wireless SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights.
The Nikon D80 beautifully combines the latest advances in digital technology to ensure every aspiring photographer will enjoy the Nikon digital SLR experience as much as the superb pictures produced with the D80.
Helpful consumer’s review
It’s about 15 years since I ‘gave up’ film SLRs…they were big, bulky and heavy and I didn’t want to carry them around anymore. Like many, I flirted with a few compact cameras before working my way onto a few digital compacts (Sony, Canon etc).
Now at a different stage of my life (the kids are grown up!) it felt like the time to get back into SLRs once again.
To be honest, technology is now such that it’s probably difficult to buy a bad DSLR…try some out…they all have fantastic features that put my old film camera to shame. I have however always hankered after a Nikon…cue the D80.
Initially somewhat daunted by the many features available on the D80, I have spent an enjoyable time getting back into SLR cameras again with the D80 – it’s more compact than my old beasts and an awful lot more capable. If you’re unsure, drop into ‘Auto’ mode initially and the camera will do everything for you, other than compose and zoom – you’ll get good results this way. Natural curiosity however will soon have you exploring the Programme, Aperture and Shutter priority modes, plus the auto-bracketing, excellent exposure compensation modes and even in-camera editing facilities. Fancy everything in Manual mode?…not a problem, go for it.
When handling the D80 you will be impressed I’m sure by the feeling of quality and class – not ‘plasticky’ at all as some modern DSLRs tend to be. The 18-135 kit lens is very good and, again, feels solid and reliable.
The D80 has some very detailed and comprehensive in-camera menus. After a couple of days, they all make sense and you’ll soon be whizzing through them. The key thing with the D80 though is that you have bought into the Nikon ’system’ – an unrivaled collection of lenses and accessories, all oozing quality and class. Nothing is forever of course, especially in this disposable world, but I do tend to feel that the D80 is definitely a long(er) term investment.
Things to buy with the D80 at the same time…? A lens filter (67mm thread), a decent SD or SDHC card (I bought a 4Gb SDHC card) and a nice padded case/bag. After that, well, the Nikon world is your oyster!
A stunning camera – I’m delighted I bought it.
